The sound of study:Student experiences of listening in the university soundscape

Abstract

The students from three universities (Groningen, Oldenburg and the University of Applied Sciences in Utrecht) were surveyed on the experience of hearing and listening in their study. Included in the online survey were established questionnaires on hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis, a subscale on psychosocial strain resulting from impaired hearing and a questionnaire about students’ perceptions of listening ease in study environments. Results from the 10,466 students who completed the survey (13% response rate) are highlighted, with particular attention to listening ease and measures proposed by students for improving it. A consequence from our findings is that more effective classroom practice may be won if study soundscapes can be improved, while universities might exercise greater inclusive responsibility for study as high quality sensory experience for the benefit of all students